Things I Love - Affordable Beauty Favorites

It’s no secret that I am a beauty junkie, shopping, researching and discovering new beauty products is one of my favorite things in life and I don’t think this will end anytime soon. As much as I love a good Sephora haul, there’s a different kind of pleasure that comes from finding a really great drugstore product. Over the years, I’ve rotated quite a few items, but these have stood out the most and solidified their place as my favorites:

SKIN

Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser - the one drugstore face cleanser I buy repeatedly. As its name suggests - it really deep cleans but without that super drying effect most other cleansers have. I use it with my face cleansing brush and it works like a charm.

L'oreal Clay Mask - This is truly one of those products that you can't believe is drugstore, even down to the packaging (it's a sturdy glass jar, you can also get it in the tube version). This is on par with another clay mask I use regularly and love (Origins Clear Improvement Mask) at a fraction of the cost. This really leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed after

every single use.

Neutrogena Sunscreen - Most sunscreens can leave a white cast on darker complexions but this one doesn’t. Gets the job done at a decent cost.

Vaseline Body Oil Gel - Truly one of my favorite things in the world. No exaggeration. Most times I prefer to use a body oil (especially for legs) rather than lotion and this is exceptional in that regard. It gives a nice glow and keeps your skin moisturized for hours on end. Highly recommend.

MAKEUP

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara - A classic. I’ve been buying this mascara for what seems like forever. I’ve tried quite a few other mascaras, both high end and other drugstore options and always come back to this.

Maybelline Superstay Foundation - My favorite drugstore foundation. I was a religious user of Maybelline Fit Me but then picked this up one day after seeing a few YouTubers rave about it. I’ve really liked it ever since. This offers such a smooth, almost poreless finish and has immense staying power.

Revlon Colorstay Foundation - The runner up as it relates to drugstore foundation. This is the first drugstore foundation I ever tried and liked, years ago. It dries matte and is really great coverage. Recently my shade is often really hard to find hence my switch to Maybelline.

Black Opal Ultra Matte Foundation Powder - I use this as both a finishing powder (dust it lightly on my t zone areas after foundation) or on days when I’m not using liquid foundation. Keeps me from looking shiny and provides a light coverage on “no makeup” days.

Jordana Eyebrow pencil - Most times I prefer a retractable pencil and this one in shade “coffee bean” is my go to. Their regular eye pencil in shade dark brown is also pretty solid.

Jordana Twist n Shine Moisturizing Balm - These are an exact dupe for the Clinique Chubby Sticks. As the name suggests, it goes on like a balm, so very moisturizing, with a bit of shine, not as much as a traditional gloss. My favorite colors are Nude Chic (perfect everyday nude - I wear it most days during the work week) and Cranberry Crush ( a sheer berry.) Pennywise always has these in stock - I'm so surprised they aren't selling out because they're so good. (Hoping I don't jinx myself, lol)

Burt’s Bees Lip Balm - Not all lip balms are created equally - I recently tried a lip balm that did absolutely NOTHING, I was so stunned because in what world does a lip balm just not work? Anyway, Burt’s Bees is the best, you don’t need to constantly reapply, it moisturizes a great deal upon first application and just really gets the job done. It has outperformed all the others I’ve tried and I always have a tube handy. Get it in the 4 pack and your lips will forever be grateful.

HAIR

Creme of Nature Conditioner - Most times I get this in the single use packet but there’s also the full bottle. Great for deep conditioning and detangling, my hair feels really soft and smooth after. I use it with a heating cap to get the full benefits.

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle - another standout conditioner at a decent cost. This is sometimes harder to find as it’s quite popular and sells out rather quickly. I usually get it at Pennywise but you can also find it at Starlite Pharmacy.

Garnier Sleek & Shine Serum - This is truly a staple product. Use it on damp hair before a blowout - you really get that sleek effect. Additionally I use it on dry hair for a bit of frizz control and moisturizing and it doesn’t weigh my hair down.

All of these products can be found at Pennywise or Starlite Pharmacy. Hope this roundup of my favorites was helpful. Thanks for reading!